April 5 – September 1, 2018

Richmond is a city of protest. From Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech to Black Lives Matter, a long history of dissent has defined and continues to shape our city. Richmonders have fought for civil rights and full citizenship, for better working conditions and economic equality, for peace and liberty, and for a political voice. As the former capital of the Confederacy, Richmond has also been at the center of national debate about historical representation and memory.

PROTEST! A Richmond History surveys 26 protests throughout Richmond’s history, organized into five topics: Racial Justice, Gender and LGBTQ Rights, Economic Justice, War and Peace and Whose History?. Protest posters, buttons, vinyl records, clothing, photographs and other artifacts are on display throughout the exhibition.

The exhibition was curated by twelve American Studies majors at the University of Richmond. The students are a part of a class led by Nicole Sackley, associate professor of history and American Studies, and Alexandra Byrum, assistant director of communications for the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement and UR Downtown.